Retail/Wholesale

The following actions will be undertaken in 2012 in respect of the Retail and Wholesale sector. We will:

 

 

7.13.1 Actions identified throughout the Action Plan will impact positively on the retail and wholesale sector, in particular our stated intention to:

  • Support initiatives at regional/local level to identify ways to stimulate domestic demand and follow‐up on ideas generated (e.g.Buy Local, Farmers Markets);
  • Enact legislation to reform wage setting mechanisms;
  • Simplify and extend the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme;
  • Measures addressing access to finance e.g. assess the credit review office toensure SMEs are getting the support they need on bank lending;
  • Support management development networks and mentors for SMEs through Skillnets;
  • Actions to manage energy costs, e.g. ensure that subsidies for energygeneration are cost effective and that enterprises are encouraged and enabledto improve energy efficiency;
  • Actions encouraging all professionals supplying the business sector (accounting, taxation, legal, etc.) to provide price quotations in advance.

 

7.13.2 Implement the following recommendations of the Advisory Group for Small Business for retail:

  • Audit and review the multiplicity of licences required by businesses to assess the potential for discontinuing some licences and for amalgamating licences; this is aimed at reducing the Cost Burden of Regulations. (Forfás, DJEI)
  • Introduce a Voluntary Code of Conduct on Payments within the private sector, with the aim of reducing payments terms from the current average of 70 days. (Business Representative Groups)
  • Make available to SMEs an Official Notice regarding the Government’s current 15 day Prompt Payment Practice, to support full compliance for all public sector bodies and agencies (DJEI)

 

7.13.3 In the context of the review of the retail planning guidelines as part of the EU/IMF Reform Programme, undertake an assessment of potential future scenarios for the structure and development of the grocery retail sector in Ireland and the potential economic and social impacts of increases in market share in the sector and policy requirements. (Relevant State bodies)

 

7.13.4 Promote greater adoption of ICTs to promote competitiveness, enhance productivity and increase innovation capacity across client companies in the retail sector, particularly in the context of accessing international markets. (Enterprise Ireland)

 

7.13.5 Support retail firms seeking to internationalise through Enterprise Ireland’s Going Global and First Flight programmes. (Enterprise Ireland)

 

7.13.6 Introduce legislation to allow for the introduction of a statutory code of practice for grocery goods undertakings. (DJEI)

 

7.13.7 Facilitate a national opportunities awareness campaign by major retail groups. This to involve exhibitions of products which are currently imported but which retailers believe could be produced in Ireland. (DJEI)

 

7.13.8 Provide funding from the Workplace Basic Education Fund for up‐skilling workers in these sectors. (DES/SOLAS)